Gettysburg,Pa

[skeeter@ccia.com]

Just had an interesting few days in Gettysburg. Toured via horseback and with a few civil war re-enactors along on the ride, sure made it feel as if you were back in the day. I believe everyone should visit this area and had the tables been turned on the outcome, wonder how America and DC would be today. Unreal how many lost their lives in those few days of the battle. I know slavery is only one reason for those battles too but looking at what the slaves back then had to wear around their neck and legs with the spikes and chains etc, I have to say is not right. I only wish they could put some of these things on tour and park these slave tools in the middle of a few towns I know so as a reminder that only 149 years ago 'you' could be wearing these. Thousands lost their lives and helped you win freedom but you don't appreciate it. But then I realize nobody would get to see these items on display because they arent awake during the daylight..but the trip there with all the guns and cannons and the history that goes with it all....a must visit place for everyone..lots of 64 cal and 58 cals..now just a short pc history is one member of the first artillery was born/raised right here..his homestead is one we still hunt on..is still farmed by his family members..want to know what the yuppies want to do with the cannon they used in the war that was given to Co B? or the monument planted here at the birth place of Co B 1st artillery that has their names on the Pa monument in Gettysburg..yuppies want to sell it all and move everything to another part of town so they can build a housing plan in that exact spot.....but by all means as I tend to wonder off the subject take the family and visit Gettysburg, Pa....

[Adam Helmer]

skeeter,

About 10 years ago I took the horseback tour of the battlefield. I recall, I had a big black horse named Congo. I wore my Bucktail uniform for the ride. I had a pistol belt and holster for my M1858 Remington on my person for pictures. Near Devil's Den, one of the horse stable girls asked me if I had a pistol in the holster. I opened the flap and showed her it was an empty "prop" for my photo ops.

As an MA historian, I say the Civil War was our FIRST Modern War with ANTIQUE Generals! All the CW generals studied Joumanie's tactics at West Point based on Napoleon's smoothbore musket tactics. I am amazed that the Rebs did Picket's Charge over open ground on July 3, 1863 KNOWING how they slew many Federals at Fredricksburg the prior December!

Adam

[Rapier]

With seven pages, single spaced, of family members in the CSA, including all of my 2nd Great Grandfathers, those of the generation involved in the war from start to end, I have a bit of attachment to the various battles. I am a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Half of my 2nd Great Grandfathers were in the Florida Brigade (2nd FL Inf Reg, 5th FL Inf Reg, 8th FL Inf Reg), you will find their monument on the field at Gettysburg. They were on Pickett's right flank. The 8th's colors were found under the Union cannon. The very distinctive sunburst, silk, battle flag of the 2nd was never returned to FL. Their sunburst not part of the state flag before is part of the FL state flag today. The 2nd and 8th color units died to a man on the field.

Sad thing is that the men of Florida knew exactly what was going to happen to them. You see, the 2nd was behind the left side of the stone wall at Fredricksburg. When you know that, it may give you a whole new perspective on the word bravery. Perhaps it also gives you a better understanding of why the Union troops yelled Fredricksburg, Fredricksburg. The units and their flags were identifiable and the troops knew those flags. It is probably why the sunburst flag was never returned.

The Cherokee Rose as buttons and badges was part of the uniform of the FL Brigade. The history of the FL units is not well known. Even when researched, it is difficult to find data on them.
Ed

[skeeter@ccia.com]

Very interesting family history..thanks for the info.